The world’s largest annual gaming industry trade show, ICE London, returns this week for the first time in more than two years.

Last held in early February 2020 – the last major trade show before the COVID-19 pandemic put the industry on hold – this year’s event will run from 12 to 14 April at ExCeL London with the conference, ICE VOX, running from 11 to 14 April.

The show had originally been scheduled 1 to 3 February but was postponed at the request of exhibitors due to concerns over the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

According to organizer Clarion Gaming, ICE London 2022 will feature more than 450 exhibitors, 160 speakers and representatives from 55 countries around the world.

“Reflecting on where the industry is two-years down the line, it is clear how much impact COVID has had on the land-based sector – in many countries the first to be forced to close and the last to be permitted to open,” said Clarion’s Managing Director – Gaming, Stuart Hunter.

“The return of in-person events could not have occurred soon enough. There’s something really positive about being able to sit down with colleagues, to share a drink or a meal and to talk face-to-face about opportunities, solutions, collaborations and what the industry does in order to rehabilitate and recover. This is a people industry and people-based sectors thrive on the oxygen of social interaction. Data from the events industry confirms that every returning exhibition has come back in the region of 30% smaller than its pre-pandemic version.

“My aspiration is for our customers to leave ExCeL London in a positive, upbeat and confident mood, equipped with all of the ideas, energy, imagination and determination to put the last two years behind them and plan for a prosperous future. ICE London remains the event where ideas are formed, new strategies formulated and where the future is written.”